Smokers have a lower risk of Parkinson’s - we may have found out why
Researchers are investigating why smokers appear to have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A new study suggests that carbon monoxide, a component of cigarette smoke, may have neuroprotective properties.
Why it matters
Understanding the biological mechanisms behind this correlation could lead to new therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease, despite the known harms of smoking.
olesea vetrila/Shutterstock Smokers have a lower risk of Parkinson’s – we may have found out why Published: October 7, 2026 9.26am BST https://theconversation.com/smokers-have-a-lower-risk-of-parkinsons-we-may-have-found-out-why-293270 https://theconversation.com/smokers-have-a-lower-risk-of-parkinsons-we-may-have-found-out-why-293270 Link copied Share article Share article
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Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and early death. Yet smokers seem to have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than non-smokers – by around half according to some studies.
This surprising link was first reported more than 50 years ago, when researchers in the UK and the US noticed that smokers were dying at much higher rates overall, but were less likely to die from Parkinson’s. Many studies since then have found the same pattern.
Why smoking is linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s is still unclear. Researchers have proposed several explanations, but there is no definitive answer yet.
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